Punjab schools hit NEET-UG record, Rajasthan student ranks 11th

In 2026, 882 students from Punjab government schools qualified the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), more than doubling the 2024 tally and continuing a rapid rise after the exam was re‑held due to a paper‑leak. The state's Education Minister highlighted the achievement as proof of the "Sikhya Kranti" reforms.

In Rajasthan, Abhilash, the son of a farmer from Hanumangarh district, secured All‑India Rank 11, scoring 705 out of 720 while writing the exam in Hindi medium. He prepared through coaching in Sikar after a gap year and credited disciplined self‑study.

Separately, 71‑year‑old Ashok Bahar filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking a 1% reservation for senior citizens in MBBS admissions, arguing that the Supreme Court’s removal of an upper age limit for NEET‑UG should extend to admission policies.